A racetrack on
Long Island, in the town of
Elmont, New York. It was built between 1903 and 1905 by
August Belmont, Jr. and named in honor of his father,
August Belmont, Sr. The land was previously owned by the
Belmonts, who were wealthy New York bankers and horse enthusiasts. The track first opened in 1905. It was renovated in 1956. Between 1963 and 1968, "structural deterioration" forced the park to close (presumably just the grandstand, since racing was still held those years).
Belmont is the largest racetrack in the United States. The main course is a 1 1/2 mile dirt oval . The Widener Turf course is 1 5/16 miles and the Inner Turf course is 1 3/16 miles. Until 1921, races were held clockwise, in the English fashion.
Belmont Park has been the location of the annual Belmont Stakes, one of the Triple Crown races, since 1905.
Belmont Park
2150 Hempstead Turnpike
Elmont, NY 11003
Gaps in my memory and knowledge filled by http://www.nyracing.com/belmont/index2.html